NBADraft.net: Pelicans Team Needs

(Posted on 6/12/13 at 2:28 pm)

quote:New Orleans Pelicans Needs: SF, C, PG Picks: 6

Michael Carter-WilliamsMichael Carter-WilliamsThe Pelicans, you know, that team that was the Hornets, but traded it in for the prehistoric, fear-inducing bird of prey. The name seems fitting for a team from the movie Semi pro or D League team, but an NBA franchise? The Pelicans have the sixth pick in this year's draft. They were able to add Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers last season and will look to build the team through the draft further this year. They have some obvious needs. I like Al-Farouq Aminu (albeit more for what he did in college and even in international competition than his NBA work) but they could really use a small forward to galvanize their lineup. Aminu did a good job on the boards, averaging 7.7 boards per contest last year, but he didn't provide any sort of offensive threat. Another need they have, and I feel this is their most pressing need, is the need for a bulky, muscular center down low to complement the rail-thin Davis and outside shooting Ryan Anderson. Alex Len would appear to be the guy they could use most, but whether he's still on the board at 6 is another story. Eventually they'll have to find a replacement if they're going to take the next step because even in a league that has reduced the importance of the center position, Robin Lopez is not going to start for a true contender.

One more position they should look at is point guard. I like the way Greivis Vasquez has progressed, but either Trey Burke or Michael Carter Williams appear to be options for them as a potential upgrade. Even though Burke is the 2nd point guard on my board, I think he fits the Pelicans' needs better than the alternatives, as he would give them a scoring punch which would allow them to potentially move Eric Gordon. Among the players they could target would be Burke, Alex Len, Anthony Bennett or even Cody Zeller.

re: NBADraft.net: Pelicans Team Needs (Posted on 6/12/13 at 2:55 pm to teke184)

I'd be really interested in the response here if we picked Zeller. I bet it would be an epic meltdown.

I think Zeller is going to be a guy that's in the league for 10+ years. He's going to contribute...I think his basement is very high. He's also a lot better athletically than people give him credit for.

He's not my pick, but it would certainly not be the end of the world. But it would feel like it in here.